How Crucial Is Robin van Persie to Manchester United's Season?

Robin van Persie came off the bench to score his 20th goal this season for Manchester United. The Dutchman has been a revelation for Manchester United, and unfortunately for the rest of the Premier League, has saved The Red Devils countless amounts of times this season. The Dutchman is in the pinnacle of his career, and looks like to be one of Sir Alex Ferguson's greatest bits of business.

This Saturday against West Ham show-cased Robin van Persies talent, coming off the bench before netting a late equalizer in typical Manchester United fashion, so many times this season.

It must be a continuing worry for Fergie that they appear to be so reliant on van Persie this season – however he will be overwhelmed and even surprised with how quick the Dutchman's transition into the side took.

Now, Manchester United will be disheartened they couldn't finish West Ham off this weekend. Fergie's men will now have an additional fixture to add to their hectic season, but with Manchester United and Robin van Persie looking so deadly on the attack, need they worry?

The fact that van Persie has become the fulcrum of Manchester United's attacking duty is credit to the Dutchman, having only arrived in the summer. Manchester United have had a plethora of attacking talent among their lucrative ranks throughout the years – and no doubt Robin van Persie is already up there with the best.

Van Persie has shown Manchester United not only is he as dangerous against the smaller sides, he also thrives off the big game occasion, a trait that is vital at Manchester United. His hatrick against Southampton is an example of his ability against the lower sides, but with his 91st minute equalizer against West Ham in the FA Cup and his famous 93rd minute winner against Manchester City – Robin van Persie has already endeared himself to the Manchester United faithful.

Manchester United haven't had an attack this potent in quite some time, and with Fergie's men currently sitting 7 points clear of the league, a 3rd round replay in the FA Cup against West Ham, with a future fixture of Fulham or Blackpool and last 16 fixture against Real Madrid, Fergie's men are on course for a successful season.

Whether its facing James Collins and James Tomkins or Sergio Ramos and Pepe, van Persie will be crucial to Manchester United this season, like he has been since 25th August 2012.